Vince Dizon checks bus terminals on first day of DOTr comeback

MANILA (UPDATE) — On his first day back as Department of Transportation secretary, Vince Dizon inspected bus terminals in Manila on Wednesday to ensure commuter safety ahead of the expected travel rush for Undas.  

Among the issues identified during the inspection were limited space in comfort rooms, a lack of toilets, and cramped passenger waiting areas.

“Negosyo nila ito, pinagkakakitaan niyo ‘to pero bigyan niyo naman ng dignidad ang mga mananakay natin,” said Dizon.

The agency will also issue a show-cause order to a bus company after it found that one of its terminals had no running water in its comfort room.

“Nakita niyo ba ‘yung CR? Walang tubig. So hindi pwedeng ganun. Itong mga bagay na ‘to, hindi malaking gastos para sa isang napakalaking kumpanya,” he said.

Brix Macalinao, operations manager of the bus terminal, said they are willing to make changes as soon as possible.

“Di naman po major. Minor lang naman po. Mahina lang po pressure, mahina lang naman ‘yung daloy ng tubig. May alternatibo naman tayong ginagawa. May reserba naman po tayo ng tubig,” Macalinao said.

Bus terminals will be given 60 days to comply. Those that fail to comply may face closure.

According to Dizon, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) also informed him that some bus companies that were issued notices in 2025 failed to comply with the agency’s requirements.

The Palace earlier this week announced that Dizon, then head of the Department of Public Works and Highways, would be swapping posts with then transportation chief Giovanni Lopez. 

“In the President’s own words: ‘We are shifting gears to accelerate reform. Secretary Dizon goes to DOTr to fix the daily commute. Secretary Lopez goes to DPWH to make sure the reforms there last,’” Communications Secretary Lino Cayetano said Monday.